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Case Study
William Inglis Hotel
Project Size:
496 kW Rooftop Solar
The William Inglis Hotel, a 144-room boutique hotel in Warwick Farm, NSW, is part of the Accor Hotel Gallery Collection. Since opening in 2018, the hotel has been an integral part of the on-site Inglis Auction House, hosting events and accommodating guests while running 24/7 operations.
With rising energy costs and a commitment to environmental sustainability, the business had been exploring solar energy solutions for over two years. General Manager Belinda Thomson, alongside the Inglis owners and board, sought a system that would both lower operational expenses and reduce their carbon footprint.
THE PROBLEM
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Rising energy costs from a 24/7 operational facility.
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High energy demand due to constant air conditioning and lighting.
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A desire to align with sustainability goals for future generations.
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Ensuring a seamless installation process without disrupting hotel and stable operations.
30% reduction in energy consumption
Annual CO2 reduction of 450 t
Payback Period of 3.5 years
THE SOLUTION
William Inglis Hotel contracted Smart Commercial Solar to design and install a tailored rooftop solar system. Spread across four of the site's ten stable buildings, the system was strategically designed to maximise efficiency while allowing for future expansion.
The installation process involved detailed pre-planning, including structural assessments and electrical redesigns. By consolidating three main switchboards into two, the system was optimised for load balancing and long-term energy savings.
Key Features of the Solution:
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496 kW rooftop solar system installed across four stables.
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Redesigned electrical infrastructure to optimise power distribution.
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System designed for future expansion as the business grows.
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Smart monitoring to track energy performance in real time.
THE RESULTS
Since installation in November, the William Inglis Hotel has already seen impressive benefits from its solar investment:
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30% reduction in energy consumption, significantly lowering operating costs.
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100% energy coverage during daylight hours, minimising reliance on grid power.
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450 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided annually, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
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3.5-year payback period, making this a financially sound investment.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the system performing beyond expectations, the William Inglis Hotel is already considering expansion opportunities. The hotel’s leadership sees solar energy as a core part of their future growth strategy, including potential new developments. General Manager Belinda Thompson is confident that this partnership with Smart Commercial Solar is a long-term commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
Nick Blacklock, Smart's Head of Business Development ANZ–and manager of the business relationship with William Inglis Hotel–summed it up best.
"Working with William Inglis Hotel on this project has been a fantastic experience. From the outset, they were committed to making a meaningful impact on both their energy costs and their environmental footprint. At Smart Commercial Solar, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored solutions that align with our clients' business needs, and this installation is a perfect example of that. Seeing the immediate benefits for the hotel—both financially and operationally—reinforces the value of investing in commercial solar solutions."
Smart's Performance team will continue to monitor and manage the system, ensuring it delivers maximum performance and financial returns for years to come. This project exemplifies how commercial solar can provide immediate and long-term benefits for the hospitality industry—reducing costs, cutting emissions, and securing a more sustainable future.
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